Jerry Nixon on Windows

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

When Windows 8 copies Windows Phone, we are all winners

Windows 8 is the reimagining of Windows. Sure. But, let’s not forget, Windows 8 didn’t invent the new design language, Windows Phone did. To be fair Windows Media Center introduced the first low-chrome Microsoft UI for the 10 foot experience. Zune, then, adopted that clean approach and adjusted it for a small touch screen.

But, it was Windows Phone that took what we used to call the Metro style to the limit. That team created a crisp and clean design language that was magically pervasive and universally appreciated. Windows 8.0 adopted it, Windows 8.1 gets even more like Phone.

Smaller tiles

Windows Phone 8 introduced the smaller tiles on the Start screen. Windows 8.1 does the same. I love this, by the way, because I like to have stuff on my Start screen, but I don’t like scrolling.

Windows Phone

Windows 8.1

The ellipsis

Windows Phone 7 introduced the menu ellipsis. Windows 8.1 does the same. I love this, by the way, because there is no affordance or intuitive reason to swipe from the bottom edge.

Windows Phone

Windows 8.1

Conclusion

Nobody is copying anybody, after all. We are just adopting lessons learned from our various platforms. Has Windows Phone benefited from Windows? Of course. Has Windows benefited from Windows Phone, absolutely yes. Windows Phone is the zenith of user experience.

Hey! I'm Jerry Nixon, a Microsoft Developer Evangelist in Colorado. If you are into Windows and Windows Phone, you are at the right place. I blog, I teach, and I speak; should you see me out somewhere, say hi! Thanks for your visit.